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Home > Colleges & Schools > College of Liberal Arts, Education, & Sciences > School of Education > Undergraduate Teacher Education > Faculty & Staff > Dr. Diane P. Casale-Giannola
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Dr. Diane P. Casale-Giannola

Associate Professor
  • Email Address: dgiannola@rider.edu
  • Phone: (609)896-5078
  • Office: Memorial Hall 102E
  • Mailing Address: 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Academic Background
2000 Doctor of Education New York University
1991 Advanced Certificate (Educational Supervision and Administration) Brooklyn College
1986 Master of Science (Special Education) Albany University
1985 Bachelor of Arts Albany University

Selected Publications

  • 2004 Going abroad: what does it mean for teachers and their students? The International Journal of Learning (in press).
  • 2004 Kamens-Wilson, M. & Giannola- Casale The role of the student teacher in the co-taught classroom. Teacher Educator (in press).Submitted for review
  • July 2004. Giannola-Casale, D. AIDing Students teachers, cooperating teachers and supervisors in inclusive setting. Teaching and Learning.
  • September 2004 Giannola-Casale D. Assisting Individuals with Disabilities: A guide for student teachers, cooperating teachers and supervisors. Council for Exceptional Children: Teacher Education and Special Education.

Selected Presentations

  • May 2003 AID: An Inclusion Resource for Pre-service Teachers.  Presented at the New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference:  Special Education: Beyond the paperwork.  Woodbridge, New Jersey.
  • July 2003. The Meaning of International Experiences for the Professional Development of Educators. Presented at the Tenth International Literacy and Education Research Network Conference on Learning.  University of London, England.
  • November 2003 AID: An Inclusion Resource of Student Teachers and Supervisors.  Presented at National CEC Teacher Education division conference: The Heart of a Teacher: Pathways to Success.  Biloxi, Mississippi,
  • November 2003 The Role of the Student Teacher in the Co-taught Classroom.  Presented at National CEC Teacher Education division conference: The Heart of a Teacher: Pathways to Success.  Biloxi, Mississippi
  • Collaboration at the University : Collegial Applications for Teaching and Learning.  Presented at Faculty Development Day. Rider University.
  • April 2004. Student Teachers in the Co-Taught Classroom: Whose student am I? Presented at the National Council for Exceptional Children Conference.  New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • July 2004 The Paraprofessional: Your Best Friend in the Inclusive Classroom.  Presented at the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education Summer Conference: Taking the Next Step.

Current Research Agenda
The three main focus of my research agenda is to study how to assess and address the needs of diverse student populations.  Thus far I have conducted research in the following related areas: inclusion, service learning, and global education.  My current research endeavors include collecting and analyzing data from two different projects: 1) supporting Inclusion at the college level- a case study of a young woman with Down Syndrome participating in Communication course at a four year college. 2) The impact of working with adults with developmentally disabilities for pre-service teachers. This is a qualitative study related to the personal and professional growth of pre-service teachers using a service learning model.

Academic honors and Awards
Fall 2004 Andrew J. Rider Scholar faculty choice

Other Professional Activities

  • Fall 2003 – present Presonnel Committee: Participated in searches for Full Time Literacy Faculty member and Early Childhood faculty member.  Reviewed and interviewed adjunct faculty.  Present Search Chair for Early Childhood/Special Education faculty member.
  • Fall 2004 – present Study Abroad Committee: University-wide committee to review study abroad candidates from Rider University.
  • 2003 to present  New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children.  Attends statewide board meetings.  Participated in CEC scholarship committee. Sponsored first state-wide Student CEC professional conference:
  • Fall 2002 to present Rider Student Council for Exceptional Children Chapter co-advisor:  Organizes student meetings and events such as professional guest speakers and workshops for student CEC members and other pre-service teachers in the community.
  • June 2003-2004 Board of Directors, ARC Mercer.  ARC is a national organization that provides support and services individuals with disabilities from infant to adult.  As a board member I participated in fundraisers, reviewed and voted on all finances and budgets, new programs and projects, union issues etc.  As marketing committee member I worked with the advocacy committee to develop and enhance the services and image of the ARC mercer to the community.
  • Fall 2002 to present:  Support Employment Advisory Board(SEAB): worked with community and university members to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with cognitive disabilities in central New Jersey.  Currently developing a transition support group for working adults with disabilities in the community.
  • Spring 2003 to present:  Special Education Advisory Board:  Consults with community and university members to support pre-service teachers to effectively teach and service individuals with disabilities in the community and their families.  Leader of the sub-committee that developed the vision, philosophy, and goals of this board.
  • Spring 2004 to present: Council for Exceptional Children Small Special Education Program Caucus: National caucus that collaborates professionally with Teacher Educators for Special Education programs.  Elected secretary for 2 year term (2004-2006)
  • September 2003 Reviewed two research articles for The International Journal of Learning.
  • Spring 2004 Piloted new field placements for preservice dual certified teachers to work with adults with developmental disabilities.  Currently modifying SPE 202 course to a field based class that will more effectively prepare our students to work with severely disabled individuals.
  • Fall 2002 to present: Inclusion/special education consultant for student teacher supervisors and general educator pre-service teachers.  I have developed a handbook to use an inclusion resource for student teachers, supervisors and cooperating teachers in general and special education settings.  I have school wide professional development for student teacher supervisors.  I have been a guest speaker to seminar classes and methods classes to help student understand their legal and ethical roles as they work with individuals with disabilities in all educational settings.
  • Fall 2002 to present:  NCATE Special Education Steering Committee: collecting, reviewing and analyzing special education program and course work to ensure Rider University is helping students meet CEC and NCATE standards in the Department of Teacher Education.
  • Fall 2002 to present: Participating in on-going professional development for myself by attending local, national and international conferences.  Participating as well as presenting, I have utilized new methods and perspectives in my courses and field experiences with students.  At the university level, I have participated in a number of professional development activities including faculty development day and CII sessions including multiple intelligence, technology and creative problem-solving.
  • Fall 2002 to present:  Observed and evaluated teaching of adjunct and full time faculty members and wrote evaluations.
  • Spring 2003 Faculty Development Day: Presenter of professional development session: Collaboration at the University Level:  Collegial Applications for Teaching and Learning.
  • Spring 2003 Hosted national guest speaker for disability awareness and understanding for psychology and education students: Paul Wichansky: Taking the “Dis” out of “Disability.”
  • Spring 2004 to present: Rider University Speakers’ Bureau
  • Fall 1995 to present: Phi Delta Kappa – New York University Chapter various positions held: Member, Secretary, Research representative and Delegate.

Courses Taught
SPE 201 Inclusion and Students with Disabilities
SPE 301 Assessment of Instruction in Special Education
SPE 302 Instruction Practices for Children with Disabilities
SPE 202 Community Resources for Students with Disabilities
EDU 465 Student teaching Supervision and Seminar